APDallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) can't get away from an oncoming sack by New England Patriots defensive end Andre Carter (93) during the first quarter of an NFL football game in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011.

FOXBOROUGH – Each week it seems to get a little bit better, and finally it appears that the New England Patriots defense has reached a point where they can compliment the offense.

Sunday’s game was a sloppy affair for the offense as they committed four turnovers and failed to take advantage of their many opportunities, but the defense strapped up their helmets and always seemed to get the ball back when needed.

Twice they forced the Cowboys to settle for a field goal in critical situations, and later forced a key three-and-out that gave the Patriots the ball back with enough time for Tom Brady to lead them to victory.

“We talk about it all the time,” cornerback Devin McCourty said. “Just keep giving our offense the chance. … We know that if we just keep giving them the ball good things will happen.”

Maybe more importantly they excelled in all the facets where criticism has existed. They pressured the quarterback, as evidence by their two sacks and four quarterback hits, and allowed only four of 12 third-down conversions.

It wasn’t all good. There were several missed tackles and a pair of drives that went more than 75 yards, but progress is visible from the first three weeks of the season when everything seemed to go for big yards.

“We’re coming along,” defensive end Andre Carter, who made both of New England's sacks, said. “We still have to go, especially on those long drives you saw in the second quarter and a little bit in the third. We eliminate those and become consistent we’re heading the right direction.”

On a personnel level, the game served as a coming out party for linebacker Brandon Spikes.

He had struggled to make an impact after fighting through injuries early this season, but broke on Sunday by making eight tackles, none bigger than on a third-down shovel pass to Tashard Choice that forced a field goal.

“I missed a significant amount of time,” Spikes said. “I just try to come here each and every day and get better.”